Tragedy in Bangkok: Skyscraper Collapse After Major Earthquake

A powerful earthquake struck Bangkok, leading to the collapse of a skyscraper under construction and trapping at least 43 workers. With a magnitude of 7.7 and a subsequent aftershock, the disaster has caused fatalities in Thailand and Myanmar. Emergency responses are underway, revealing significant building damage and prompting a state of emergency declaration.

On Friday, Bangkok experienced a significant earthquake that resulted in the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, leaving at least 43 workers trapped. According to Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in neighboring Myanmar and was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 7.7 for the earthquake, followed closely by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. Casualties were reported in both Thailand and Myanmar; however, the exact death toll remains uncertain. In response to the disaster, the Thai Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, along with a similar declaration in Myanmar’s capital and its second-largest city.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as residents fled into the streets amid powerful tremors, with water spilling from swimming pools. The high-rise structure that collapsed was a 30-storey building designated for government offices. Emergency responders reported recovery of at least two bodies, while seven individuals were rescued, with many others still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bang Sue district, noted, “When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, saying help me.” He estimated that hundreds of individuals might be injured, although precise figures were still being determined. Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, remarked that the tremors caused damage to multiple high-rise buildings, leading to ongoing inspections to assess the extent of the impact. The governor has urged residents to exercise caution in light of the situation, and some metro and light rail services have been suspended following the earthquake’s aftermath.

The recent earthquake in Bangkok has had severe implications, as a skyscraper collapsed, trapping many workers and resulting in casualties. With ongoing efforts to assess the damage and rescue those still trapped, Sri officials face a critical emergency response. The earthquake notably impacted infrastructure and safety in the region, underscoring the need for vigilance during such natural disasters.

Original Source: timesofoman.com